Particulate inhibiting barriers for toilet

ABSTRACT

System and apparatus which inhibit movement of contaminated particles out of a toilet bowl enclosure are disclosed. Such systems and apparatus include at least one barrier coupled to a seat or lid of a toilet. The barrier or barriers may be configured to inhibit particles from moving out of the toilet bowl enclosure, but may allow air to move into the toilet bowl enclosure. Such a system may also include a valve to allow air to flow into the toilet bowl enclosure. Various configurations, methods and materials of construction are described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to toilets. In particular, embodiments relate to apparatus and systems for reducing contamination around toilets.

2. Description of the Related Art

When a toilet flushes the agitation of the water used to flush the fixture's bowl creates water droplets. Some of these droplets may be contaminated with waste products, e.g., urine, excrement, or other particles of other waste being disposed of via the toilet. The agitation may result in many of these contaminated droplets becoming airborne. Under certain circumstances, the agitation may even cause small particles of substantially undiluted waste to become airborne. The contaminated droplets or waste particles may then travel by air and settle upon surfaces on or near the toilet. An accumulation of these particles may cause an unhygienic condition in areas proximate to the toilet. Similar conditions may result around non-water using toilets (e.g., dry toilets, chemical toilets, etc).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention relates to apparatus and systems for reducing contamination around a toilet resulting from waste particles and/or contaminated droplets settling near the toilet.

In an embodiment, a device for reducing contamination around toilets may include at least one coupling member and at least one barrier member. At least one barrier member and at least one coupling member may form at least one barrier. At least one barrier member may be configured to inhibit movement of particulate from inside a toilet bowl enclosure to outside the toilet bowl enclosure during use. In such embodiments, at least one coupling member may be configured to be coupled to a toilet seat or toilet lid. Additionally, at least one barrier member may be configured to allow movement of air from outside the toilet to inside the toilet. In certain embodiments, one or more valves may be provided which may allow passage of air from outside the toilet bowl enclosure to inside the toilet bowl enclosure. A barrier may have an adjustable size and/or adjustable shape. In certain embodiments, a barrier member may have an extended portion. The extended portion may be configured to at least partially fill a gap in a toilet seat.

In an embodiment, a system for reducing contamination around a toilet may include one or more first barriers coupled to a toilet seat. In certain embodiments, the system may further include a toilet lid. In such embodiments, one or more second barriers may be coupled to a toilet lid. A barrier may be formed of one or more barrier members. The barrier may further include one or more coupling members. One or more barriers may be configured to inhibit movement of particulate from inside a toilet bowl enclosure to outside the toilet bowl enclosure during use. Additionally, one or more barriers may be configured to allow movement of air from outside the toilet bowl enclosure to inside the toilet bowl enclosure. Certain embodiments may include one or more valves configured to allow passage of air from outside the toilet bowl enclosure to inside the toilet bowl enclosure. In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one barrier member may be extended such that the extended portion at least partially fills a gap in at least one toilet seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained when the following detailed description of preferred embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an example of a toilet;

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a toilet including a first barrier and a second barrier;

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a toilet including a first barrier and a second barrier and a valve;

FIG. 4A depicts a cross sectional view of a barrier according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 4B depicts a cross sectional view of a barrier according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of a barrier according to a third embodiment; and

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of an embodiment of a barrier having an adjustable size and/or shape coupled to a toilet seat.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and systems configured to inhibit the release of airborne droplets and/or particles (collectively referred to as “particulate”) that may be created when a toilet is flushed. Various embodiments may be used to retrofit existing toilets and/or as original equipment for newly manufactured or newly installed toilets. Embodiments relate to toilet seats and/or lids configured to be attached to either new or existing toilets.

In various embodiments, an apparatus or system may confine particulate within a toilet bowl enclosure, thereby inhibiting release of particulate into the surrounding environs. As used herein, the term “toilet bowl enclosure” refers to a volume enclosed by a toilet bowl, toilet seat and toilet lid when seat and lid are closed.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a toilet 100 having a seat 102 and a lid 104. Seat 102 and/or lid 104 may be coupled to toilet 100 via hinges 112. Toilet 100 may include a rim 110 upon which seat 102 normally rests when in the down position. Seat 102 and/or lid 104 are not limited as to shape. Examples of typical shapes include, but are not limited to, substantially circular, oval and rectangular. Typically, lid 104 may have a shape similar to seat 102. In certain embodiments, seat 102 may have a horseshoe shape (e.g., with a gap toward the front of seat 102). Even with both seat 102 and lid 104 closed, gaps 106 and 108 may allow passage of particulate from the toilet bowl enclosure to the area surrounding toilet 100.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a toilet 100 fitted with a first barrier 206 and a second barrier 208 substantially filling gaps 106 and 108. Barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be constructed of a material selected to allow the barriers to inhibit the movement of particulate from inside the toilet bowl enclosure to outside the toilet bowl enclosure. In an embodiment, barrier 206 may not necessarily form an air tight seal between toilet 100 and seat 102. Similarly, in an embodiment, barrier 208 may not necessarily form an air tight seal between seat 102 and lid 104. It is believed that for certain types of toilets, significantly inhibiting the passage of air into the toilet bowl may be detrimental to proper operation of the toilet during flushing. Thus, in certain embodiments, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be constructed of a material or materials that are flexible enough to allow air to flow into the toilet bowl enclosure upon flushing toilet 100.

Barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be constructed from a variety of materials. In an embodiment, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be constructed of a material selected to be easily cleanable. In an embodiment, barrier 206 and/or 208 may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. Examples of suitable materials include but are not limited to neoprene, silicon, and various plastics. In an embodiment, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be constructed of both a rigid material and a flexible or semi-rigid material. In such embodiments, the rigid material may be configured to be coupled to seat 102 or lid 104, respectively. In certain embodiments, a barrier may be coupled to rim 110 extending upward toward seat 102 in order to substantially cover gap 106.

A barrier may have a cross-section selected to allow a desired covering of gap 106 and/or gap 108. Additionally, the cross-section of the barrier may be selected such that air is allowed to flow into the toilet bowl enclosure during use. FIG. 4A depicts an embodiment of a cross-section of a barrier 400. Barrier 400 may represent either barrier 206 or barrier 208. Barrier 400 may include a coupling member 404 and a barrier member 406. Barrier member 406 may narrow toward its free edge 408. Such tapering of barrier member 406 may allow free edge 408 to be more flexible that the rest of barrier member 406, and thus capable of being deformed by differential air pressure between the inside of the toilet bowl enclosure and outside the toilet bowl enclosure. Barrier member 406 may be formed of a flexible or semi-rigid material so as to inhibit movement of particulate out of the toilet bowl enclosure, while allowing air flow into the toilet bowl enclosure.

In an embodiment, barrier 400 may be coupled to seat 102 and/or lid 104 in a variety of ways. Examples of methods of coupling coupling member 404 to seat 102 or lid 104 may include, but are not limited to: adhesives, fasteners, clips, snaps and/or snap-together construction. Other coupling methods may also be used as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, coupling member 404 and barrier member 406 may be of one piece construction. In certain embodiments, coupling member 404 and barrier member 406 may be coupled together using any of a variety of methods including but not limited to: adhesives, fasteners, clips, snaps and/or snap together construction. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4B, coupling member 404 may include a receiving portion 412 configured to receive a retaining portion 410 of barrier member 406. Thus, by snapping, sliding or otherwise placing retaining portion 410 into receiving portion 412 coupling member 404 and barrier member 406 may be coupled together.

In certain embodiments, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be coupled to lid 104 or seat 102 using snap together construction (e.g., a portion of barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may seat into a grove in lid 104 or seat 102). Other such arrangements may also be used as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be configured to be coupled to a seat and/or a lid of an existing toilet as a retrofit. In certain embodiment, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be coupled to a seat and/or a lid as part of a manufacturing process of the seat and/or lid.

In an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4C, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may be configured so that an upper portion 414 (coupled to the bottom of lid 104, or to the bottom of seat 102) nests with a lower portion 416 (coupled to the top of seat 102, or to the upper rim of toilet 100). Such embodiments may allow a substantially airtight seal to be formed in gap 106 and/or gap 108.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a system configured to inhibit movement of particulate out of a toilet bowl enclosure into an area surrounding toilet 100. In an embodiment, such a system may include one or more valves, such as valve 302. Valve 302 may be configured to be cleanable and/or replaceable. Valve 302 may allow air to flow into the toilet bowl enclosure. Valve 302 may be located in lid 104 (as shown in FIG. 3), in seat 102, in barrier 206 and/or in barrier 208. Such embodiments may allow sufficient air flow into the toilet bowl enclosure such that flushing of the toilet is not inhibited even if barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 form a substantially air tight seal in gap 106 and/or gap 108.

In certain embodiments, hinge 112 may be a spring assisted hinge or other such mechanism to increase the closing force on seat 102 and/or lid 104. Such embodiments may improve the seal within gap 106 and/or gap 108, thereby further inhibiting the movement of particulate out of the toilet bowl enclosure.

In various embodiment, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may include multiple barrier members 406. Some such embodiments may allow a more flexible material to be used in forming barrier members 406 since overlapping barrier members may support one another. Additionally, some such embodiments may allow the barrier to be adjustable in size so as to fit seats and/or lids of various sizes and/or shapes. In various embodiments, barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 may include multiple coupling members 404. Some such embodiments may allow the barrier to be more easily coupled to a seat or lid. Additionally, some such embodiments may allow the barrier to be adjustable in size so as to fit seats and/or lids of various sizes and/or shapes. An example of an embodiment of a barrier having an adjustable size and/or adjustable shape is depicted in FIG. 5. In such an embodiment, the barrier may include a plurality of coupling members 404. Coupling members 404 may be arranged on a toilet seat or toilet lid (such as toilet seat 502). Coupling members 404 may be coupled to one or more barrier members 406. In an embodiment, a single barrier member 406 may be coupled to all of the coupling members. In such an embodiment, barrier member 406 may be flexible enough to conform to the shape formed by coupling members 404 thus giving the barrier an adjustable shape. Additionally, barrier member 406 may be cut to length by an installer when the barrier is coupled to the toilet seat or toilet lid thus giving the barrier an adjustable size. In other embodiments, coupling members 404 may be coupled to more than one barrier member 406, as depicted in FIG. 5. In such embodiments, barrier members 406 and coupling members 404 may be arranged on the toilet seat or toilet lid to form a barrier. The size and/or shape of the barrier may be determined by the installer as the barrier is coupled to the toilet seat or toilet lid.

In various embodiments, barrier 206 may be positioned on seat 102 at any position desired such that the barrier member of barrier 206 has the desired position relative to rim 110 of the toilet. Similarly, barrier 208 may be positioned on lid 104 at any position desired such that the barrier member of barrier 208 has the desired position relative to seat 102. For example, in an embodiment, barrier 206 may be positioned on seat 102 such that barrier 206 is substantially outside the toilet bowl enclosure (e.g., so that at least a portion of the barrier member of barrier 206 overlaps the outside edge of toilet rim 110). Such embodiments may facilitate cleaning barrier 206 and/or maintaining the cleanliness of barrier 206. Similarly, in an embodiment, barrier 208 may be positioned on lid 104 such that barrier 208 is substantially outside the toilet bowl enclosure (e.g., so that at least a portion of the barrier member of barrier 208 overlaps the outside edge of seat 102). Such embodiments may facilitate cleaning barrier 206 and/or maintaining the cleanliness of barrier 206. In some embodiments, the barrier member of barrier 208 may substantially overlap seat 102 such that gap 108 and gap 106 are substantially covered by barrier 208.

In an embodiment, barrier 206 may be position on seat 102 such that barrier 206 is substantially inside the toilet bowl enclosure (e.g., so that at least a portion of the barrier member of barrier 206 overlaps the inside edge of toilet rim 110). Such embodiments may facilitate cleaning of toilet rim 110 and/or facilitate airflow into the toilet bowl enclosure. Similarly, in an embodiment, barrier 208 may be positioned on lid 104 such that barrier 208 is substantially inside the toilet bowl enclosure (e.g., so that at least a portion of the barrier member of barrier 208 overlaps the edge of the opening of seat 102). Such embodiments may facilitate cleaning seat 102 and/or facilitate airflow into the toilet bowl enclosure. Additionally, such embodiments may inhibit direct contamination of rim 110 and/or hinges 112 by waste. For example, such direct contamination may result from splashing, urination, diarrhea, etc. In certain embodiments, barrier 208 and/or barrier 206 may be positioned such they are partially in the toilet bowl enclosure (e.g., approximately centered radially with respect to seat 102 and/or rim 110, respectively).

In some embodiments, seat 102 may have a horseshoe shape as previously described. In such embodiments, the opening at the front of lid 104 may be left open or partially open to allow air flow into the toilet bowl enclosure. In such embodiments, all or most of the remainder of gap 106 and gap 108 may be substantially covered by barrier 206 and/or barrier 208. In certain embodiments where seat 102 has a horseshoe shape, barrier 208 may be configured with an elongated barrier member in the area corresponding to the gap in seat 102. In such embodiments, the extended barrier member of barrier 208 may substantially cover: the portion of gap 108 corresponding to the gap in seat 102, the gap in seat 102, and the portion of gap 106 corresponding to the gap in seat 102. In such embodiments, the remaining portions of the barrier member of barrier 208 may substantially cover gap 108. Similarly, the remaining portion of gap 206 may be substantially covered by barrier 206.

In an embodiment, positive pressure within the toilet bowl enclosure (e.g., due to sewer gases) may cause all or a portion of barrier 206 and/or barrier 208 to lift or deform such that the excess gas may be safely vented. In an embodiment, valve 302 may allow safe release of excess gas.

Embodiments described herein may be configured for use with any toilet. For example, embodiments described herein may be used with toilets including, but not limited to: tank flush toilets, vortex flush toilets (using standard line pressure), assisted flush toilets (using pressurized air; e.g. certain GERBER® brand toilets), wall mounted toilets, marine type toilets, grinder type toilets, portable toilets (e.g. non-flushing toilets with holding tanks). Additionally, embodiments described herein may be used with, but are not limited to: residential toilets, toilets in recreational vehicles (including boats, motor homes, travel trailers, etc.), commercial toilets (e.g., in hotels, motels, restaurants, and other public restrooms), portable toilets and institutional toilets (e.g., in hospitals, nursing homes, etc.). Embodiments may be particularly beneficial where there is a high risk of contamination due to infected waste matter (e.g., in hospital setting where toilets may be used by patients with conditions transmissible by waste). Embodiments may also be particularly beneficial where toilet facilities are located near areas used for other purposes as well (e.g., near sinks, baths, etc.). In such situations and many others, reducing contamination of areas around the toilet by particulate from the toilet may be desirable.

Embodiments described herein may improve sanitation of surface areas and air quality around the toilet by substantially containing particulate within the toilet bowl enclosure. Additionally, the toilet flush sound may be muffled by barrier 206 and/or barrier 208. Further, embodiments may reduce odors created by particulate being released during flushing.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and described herein are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention. Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. 

1. A device comprising: at least one coupling member; and at least one barrier member; wherein at least one barrier member is configured to inhibit movement of particulate from inside a toilet bowl enclosure to outside the toilet bowl enclosure during use.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one coupling member is configured to be coupled to a toilet seat during use.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one coupling member is configured to be coupled to a toilet lid during use.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one barrier member is further configured to allow movement of air from outside the toilet to inside the toilet.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one valve configured to allow passage of air from outside the toilet bowl enclosure to inside the toilet bowl enclosure.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one barrier member comprises an extended portion, where the extended portion of the barrier member is configured to at least partially fill a gap in a toilet seat.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one barrier member is configured to form a barrier having an adjustable size.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one barrier member is configured to form a barrier having an adjustable shape.
 9. A system comprising: at least one toilet seat, and at least one first barrier coupled to at least one toilet seat, wherein at least one first barrier is configured to inhibit movement of particulate from inside a toilet bowl enclosure to outside the toilet bowl enclosure during use.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one first barrier is further configured to allow movement of air from outside the toilet bowl enclosure to inside the toilet bowl enclosure.
 11. The system of claim 9, further comprising at least one valve configured to allow passage of air from outside the toilet bowl enclosure to inside the toilet bowl enclosure.
 12. The system of claim 9, further comprising at least one toilet lid.
 13. The system of claim 9, further comprising at least one toilet lid and at least one second barrier, wherein at least one second barrier is configured to inhibit movement of particulate from inside the toilet bowl enclosure to outside the toilet bowl enclosure.
 14. The system of claim 9, further comprising at least one toilet lid and at least one second barrier, wherein at least one second barrier is further configured to allow movement of air from outside the toilet bowl enclosure to inside the toilet bowl enclosure.
 15. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one second barrier comprises a barrier member, and wherein at least a portion of at least one barrier member is extended such that the extended portion at least partially fills a gap in at least one toilet seat.
 16. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one first barrier comprises at least one barrier member.
 17. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one second barrier comprises at least one barrier member.
 18. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one first barrier comprises at least one coupling member.
 19. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one second barrier comprises at least one barrier member.
 20. A system comprising: at least one toilet lid, and at least one barrier coupled to at least one toilet lid, wherein at least one barrier is configured to inhibit movement of particulate from inside a toilet bowl enclosure to outside the toilet bowl enclosure during use. 